Rick Dovalina of Houston Council 673 and Director of District 8 was elected as the new LULAC National President at the 69th Annual Convention held from June 28 - July 4th in Dallas, Texas. See Dovalina Bio.

Dovalina, a partner in the Law Firm of Dovalina & Eureste, L.L.P., has been President, Treasurer and Legal Advisor of Council 673 and Director of LULAC District 8. Having been born in Laredo and raised in Corpus Christi, it was fitting that Dovalina's election occured in his home state of Texas. "It's an honor and a privilege to be elected president. I look forward to working with our membership and uniting the organization." said Dovalina. " One of my priorities while president will be to properly equip all LULAC councils around the country with the tools and resources needed to build a cohesive and unified organization committed to fighting injustices against Hispanics." Belen Robles, LULAC immediate past President stated, "Serving as my legal advisor, I am confident that Rick will lead our organization to new heights of influence and power. I look forward to a bright and fabulous future for LULAC."

This year's convention had more than 6,000 delegates in attendance as well as the attraction of international attention. Issues focused on during the convention included education, immigration, and the future of social security. See Policy Seminars

Jimmy Smits started off the week-long ceremonies with an opening speech emphasizing the need for a more positive portrayal of Hispanics in the media. Addressing a cheering, energetic crowd Smits stated how "it is important that young people are able to see positive images reflective of themselves in the media so that the attainment of a high school and college diploma doesn't seem out of their grasp." Last year Ms. Robles worked with actor Jimmy Smits, who along with other actors, formed the National Hispanic Association for the Arts. The group strives to promote a more realistic image of Hispanics in the realm of motion pictures, TV, literature and the arts.

In an effort to open up the dialogue with leaders of both political parties, the convention gave politicians from both ends of the spectrum an opportunity to outline their agenda for the Hispanic community. Perhaps the most controversial, yet significant, of these leaders in attendance were the Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich (R-Ga ) and Governor George W. Bush ( R ). Addressing more than 1,000 delegates during the opening luncheon on Wednesday, Governor Bush and Speaker Gingrich focused on the issues of education, free trade, and lower taxes.

Delivering part of his speech in Spanish, Bush stressed the need "to work in the spirit of unity." On the hot-button issue of bilingual education, Bush advocated reviewing and repairing the bilingual program, rather than ending it. Reflective of the support he has gained from Hispanics in Texas, Bush finished the speech with shouts from the crowd of "We love you". Bush returned their affection in Spanish by saying: "Te Amo".

Whereas Bush has been able to effectively court the Hispanic vote in the state of Texas with his deviation from the Republican Party on a number of anti-Latino laws, Gingrich hasn't had the same success. And it was reflected in his opening remarks. "I'm a Georgian. I'm a conservative Republican," he said, with a smile. "This is not the first of five things I thought I would get invited to today." Evading issues such as bilingual education and immigration, Gingrich instead chose to emphasis the Republican - controlled Congress' balanced budget and efforts to cut taxes. Gingrich was praised by LULAC past immediate President Belen Robles for his support of the Puerto Rican self-determination legislation.

The attendance of Bush and Gingrich, who are considered presidential prospects in 2000, clearly revealed the attempt by the Republican party to reach out to Latino voters in future elections. From 1992 to 1996, the number of registered Hispanic voters rose by nearly 20 percent to 6.6 million.

Other key political leaders included Reverend Jesse Jackson, Democratic candidate for Texas Governor Gary Mauro and Minority Leader Richard Gephardt ( D-Mo ). The Rev. Jesse Jackson called for an attempt to build coalitions with Hispanic and African-American communities. "We must not be forced to compete for scarcity at a time of surplus," stated Jackson. To ease the tensions resulting from job competition, Jackson went on to explain how the federal government needs to increase the incentives for companies to do business in minority communities. Jackson attacked the Republican-controlled Congress for their support of tax breaks for the wealthy, while seeking to reduce funds for low-income energy assistance and other programs to help struggling workers and families.

House Minority Leader Richard A. Gephardt also used this time to show his parties commitment to the Hispanic community and the pernicious actions by the GOP. " The current leadership of the U.S. Congress has brought to the floor and supported more anti-immigrant and more anti-Hispanic legislation than any leadership in this country," Gephardt said. Gephardt used the Census 2000 procedures and Naturalization process, both of which are key issues for LULAC members and the Hispanic community in general, as examples of Democratic support to Hispanics.

The Convention also hosted a Youth Conference. The three day event featured workshops and panel discussions on education, family values, drug and gang prevention, and other issues of importance to youth. During the Youth Breakfast, a video with an address from Vice President Al Gore was presented. The keynote speaker at the Presidential Dinner was Senator Kay Bailey Hutchinson ( R-Tx ).

Policy Seminars

Consequences of the Affirmative Action End Game

This panel discussion focused on the movement to create legislation on the State and National levels to end all initiatives and programs dealing with Affirmative Action. The impact these new laws are having on Hispanics in employment and education was a focal point of the discussion. The future of Affirmative Action was also considered.

Moderator: Georgina Verdugo, Assistant Deputy Attorney General For Legislative Affairs.

Panelists: Tom Saenz, Regional Counsel, Mexican-American Legal Defense and Education Fund. Larry Garza, District Director, Office of Contract Compliance, U.S. Dept. of Justice, Dallas. Tom Perez, Deputy Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights, U.S. Dept. of Justice.

Alternative Approaches to Resolving Educational, Employment, and Housing Discrimination Issues

This presentation focused on alternative approaches to resolving such traditional educational issues as under-representation of Hispanics on school boards and at all levels and professions, unequal discipline and lack of parental involvement in their children's school activities. The presentation also presented new Federal approaches to handling charges of employment and housing discrimination.

Moderator: Michael Gonzales, LULAC Council President 4601.

Panelists: Richard Sambrano, Office of Civil Rights, Dept. of Justice, Dallas. Javier Chacon, Deputy District Director, EEOC, Dallas. Eva Plaza, Associate Secretary for Fair Housing, Dept. of Housing and Urban Development.

Hispanic Health Issues

This panel discussion focused on major health concerns in the Hispanic community such as diabetes and insurance coverage. The panel also discussed the role of Latinos in the national debate on tobacco legislation. Panelists discussed why there is a need to develop new studies to gain more understanding on how diseases specifically affect the Hispanic community.

Moderator: Patricia Montoya, Regional Director HHS.

Panelists: Patricia Montoya, Regional Director, Dept. of Health and Human Services, Dallas. Adoph Falcon, National Coalition for Hispanic Health and Human Services Organizations. Jeannette Noltenius, Executive Director, Latino Council on Alcohol and Tobacco. Dr. Manuel Balbona, Chairman, Hispanic Task Force.

Social Security and its Impact on Hispanics

The panel discussed the future of Social Security and the proposals being discussed in Congress that would change the current system.

Moderator: Gil Games, LULAC Member, Austin.

Panelists: Richard Thau, Executive Director, Third Milennium. Armando Gonzalez, Deputy Regional Commissioner, Social Security Administration. Evelyn Morton, Legislative Representative, AARP. Wendell Primus, Director, Income Security, Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.

Mexico - New Dual Citizen Law

The government of Mexico has passed a new law to allow dual citizenship with other countries. The panel explored the ramifications for the Mexican American community in the United States.

Moderator: Ray Mancera, LULAC International Liaison.

Panelists: Rudolfo Figueroa, Mexican Embassy. Isaias Torres, Attorney, Houston. Ramon Xitotl, Mexican Counselor, Dallas.

The 2000 Census - "It's Your Future - Don't Leave it Blank!"

Jim Holmes, Bureau of the Census.--Plans for the 2000 Census.

Alfonso Mirabal, Census Bureau Regional Director.--The Importance of Partnerships Stand Up and Be Counted - Reasons Why

Susanna Gomez, Assistant Director AFL-CIO--Benefits for your future and your community.

Alfonso Mirabal - Census Bureau, Regional Director--Partnerships and Jobs.

Hispanic Women's Issues: Striving Toward Equality

From the Fortune 500 boardrooms to the halls of Congress, all women and especially Latinas are severely underrepresented and under compensated. Even though Latinas continue to outperform their male counterparts in elementary, secondary and higher education, barriers to their full participation in the workforce persist. This panel discussed the status of Latinas in the workforce and provided suggestions for breaking down barriers and gaining access to high level positions.

Moderator: Margaret Mata, LULAC VP For Women.

Panelists: Maritza Rivera, White House Office of Public Affairs. Lydia Torres, Latino Outreach, Democratic National Committee. Janet Murguia, White House Office of Legislative Affairs. Anna Maria Arias, Editor and Publisher of Latina Style.

Hispanic Political Empowerment - Beyond the Black/ White Paradigm

Recent elections have shown that the Latino vote has become more and more significant in determining election results. The panelists discussed the impact that our community is having on the political process both on the local and national levels. The panel also discussed ethnic tensions that have developed within the various Hispanic subgroups.

Moderator: Brent Wilkes, LULAC National Executive Director.

Panelists: Lydia Camarillo, Executive Director, Southwest Voter Institute. Carlos Lopez Nieves, Member, Puerto Rico House of Representatives. Juan Figueroa, Puerto Rican Legal Defense and Education Fund.

Dropout Prevention - No More Excuses

Spurred by startling statistics showing the Hispanic dropout rate reaching 30 percent, the panel focused on ways to ameliorate this problem. Panelists highlighted some successful programs from around the country that are working to keep our children in school and making it possible for them to attend institutions of higher learning.

Moderator: Adelpha Callejo, LULAC Member.

Panelists: Dr. Yolanda Cruz, Principal of the Year, Dallas, Texas. Dr. William Wenricky, Chancellor, Dallas Community College District.

Immigration - An Issue of Human Rights

This panel focused on the impact that recent changes to immigration laws are having on our Latino communities throughout the United States. The impact of immigration on today's economy was also discussed.

Moderator: Ray Velarde, LULAC National General Counsel.

Panelists: Joel Najar, National Council of La Raza. Peter Schey, Center for Human Rights and Constitutional Law. Maria Jimenez, Border Enforcement Project. Luis de la Garza, Grupo Apoyo Inmigrantes Latino Americanos. Isaias Torres, Attorney.

Hispanic Business Development

This panel discussed strategies for starting a small business with special emphasis on new opportunities created by the North American Free Trade Agreement. Key issues affecting our progress in the world of business and economic development were also discussed. Experts from financial institutions were on hand to discuss how small businesses can successfully gain access to capital.

Moderator: Betty Maldonado, Small Businesswoman.

Panelists: Ed Night, General Counsel, Department of the Treasury.
Carlos F. Truan, Dean of the Texas State Senate.